Hi everyone! Welcome to Part 1 of this short leg of my summer 2016 travel series, where I'll be covering the return flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong in this report. After a nice couple of days relaxing, eating, and exploring the city, it was time for me to go back to New York with the usual pit stop in Hong Kong.

I would definitely say that this trip report is an exciting one, primarily because I'll be flying this route on none other than the Airbus A350-900!!! Yep, that's right! I was really looking forward for this flight even for weeks from when we booked it. Even though I was flying on this brand-new aircraft, there were the usual obstacles and adventures, which I'll get to in the pre-flight section of this report. Anyways, let's get to it!

While booking the flights for both sectors, it all seemed like clockwork. In fact, my family and I were confirmed in order to take this flight to Hong Kong before connecting to flight CX840 which departed at 4:10 PM back to JFK. So by the time we arrived in HKG, we would have about an hour before we would have to board the next flight. We ultimately went with the decision, although my parents did warn me that we would have to sacrifice time in plane spotting and lounge hopping, which didn't seem like a huge issue.

Now, coming back to this report. Prior to departure, I woke up at around 7:00 AM so I would be able to enjoy a nice breakfast with my family before we ultimately proceeded to the airport. Since our flight was on a Sunday, there was little to no traffic in Bangkok, and we made it there by 9:30 AM.

Entrance to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Time to check-in!

BKK Departure Lobby

Check-in area for CX

We were able to check-in almost immediately, giving at least 5 minutes for the whole process. The next thing we knew was that our bags were checked in all the way to New York and we were issued boarding passes for both flights. However, what I didn't know that the flight was going to be delayed, leading up to some thrill for the journey!

Reunited with both Mangkorakarn and Maiyarab

Going through security and immigration, which was quick with the help of the Premium Lane pass

Post-security:

I always have this temptation to take this photo every time I'm in this airport

FIDS

Airside

Duty-free area

Heading towards the gate area

Concourse E

We thought about going to the Cathay Pacific lounge near Concourse G, but turns out it was a distance from the gate. So, we ended up passing the offer.

Instead, all of us ended up chilling near the gate area until boarding was announced

Boarding passes for both flights

Approximately 20 minutes later, the gate was finally open! I couldn't believe I was actually going to fly on the A350!!!! I just couldn't wait!! ;)

Walking down the ramp to the gate area

By the time we got there, I was so excited I felt like a little kid again as soon I saw the A350!! Also, I was going on the first A350 that CX has acquired: B-LRA!

However, we ended up arriving hearing that the flight was delayed as the inbound flight arrived late

I remember all of us waiting for about 20 minutes before we were allowed to board the plane, but it was worth the wait!

I was pretty much the first person to board the plane. As soon as I entered the cabin, I started taking pictures like a crazy tourist!

My seat for today: 18A

Loving the seat signage

Inflight controls along with the headset

Loving the legroom!!

I was quite excited to be on the Airbus A350-900. Though this may be a 2 hour flight, it's still exciting!!!

Even the inflight entertainment menu has gotten a makeover!

Cabin views

Another view of my seat

Area below the ottoman

Another storage area suitable for small items

Exploring the new inflight entertainment, which pretty much has the same selection on all flights and aircraft

While doing so, I somehow fell in love with the new interactive map where you can view the flight from any angle you desire!

The remote, which was more interactive

Hot towel

Pre-departure drink

The camera views from the top were amazing as always!

View from my seat

The famous A350 wing along with Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-200, 9K-APD

Once boarding was completed, the captain came on with his pre-flight welcome apologising for the late departure and for the delays that ensued today such as the inbound flight arriving late from Hong Kong. Also, he did note that there was some problem, but he didn't specify with what exactly. All I knew for a fact was that we were going to be heavily delayed.

To cut a long story short, what was thought to be a short delay (which would be between 10-15 minutes) turned out to be a 2 hour delay! At that point, I wasn't sure if I was going to make my onward flight!

In order to kill time, I went to explore the bathroom for a little bit. I somehow liked its overall design and how refreshed it looks compared to the Boeing 777-300ER (77H)

A toilet with a view, how interesting!

Once I got back to my seat, I went straight to watching The Big Bang Theory

By 1:00 PM, we finally pushed back from the gate

Turkmenistan Airlines Boeing 777-200LR, EZ-A778

Just like HKG, I was able to get some views while taxiing to the runway

A Korean Air Airbus A330-300 taxiing to the runway, and an Etihad Airways Airbus A330-200, A6-EYH, currently on remote standby

I fly to/from BKK very often, and this is the first time I actually saw this sign!

Tail camera yet again

Taxiing to runway 19R, with the view of Bangkok Airways Airbus A319-100, HS-PPC

After the many delays, we finally took off 2 hours behind schedule

The Airbus A350-900 engine and winglet with the view of Thailand

Peace out, Thailand!

Menu for today's flight

High above the clouds

Exploring the inflight map yet again, bu this time from different perspectives

I frequently went on this section as I wanted to find out whether or not I'd be able to make it on my connecting flight back to New York

Cabin views

Before I knew it, the crew came towards the cabin taking drink orders as well as setting the tables for the dinner service.

Perrier, a.k.a. my standard drink!

Table setup including the appetiser and garlic bread

For the main course, I went for the stir fried chicken, which was honestly something that I enjoyed!

Ice cream and Hong Kong styled milk tea to finish it off

Before I knew it, we only had less than an hour before we were scheduled to land

Time really flies while having fun!

Galley right behind the main business class cabin

After 10 minutes, the captain came on again stating that we now starting to descent into Hong Kong and that we had 30 minutes until we landed. Suddenly, the seat belt sign came back on giving the indication that we had to prepare for landing, which didn't take long.

All good flights must come to an end!

Approaching HKG

Hong Kong Island

My attempt on getting the skyline of both Hong Kong and Kowloon, but it was way too sunny

Final shots before landing

Well, after a 2-hour delay at BKK, we arrived at HKG at approximately 4:30 PM. As stated previously, we were originally booked on CX840 to JFK which departed at 4:10 PM. So, that means we have officially missed our flight! However, we weren't the only ones in this situation. There were other passengers who have also missed their onward flights.

Shots of HKG

Docking at gate 69

Disembarking

Post-flight:

Once I stepped out of the plane, CX representatives were already waiting outside of the jet-bridge ready to issue new boarding passes for the passengers who had also missed their connecting flights to their respective destinations. My family and I were then given new boarding passes for CX846 which departed at 6:45 PM.

One last look of B-LRA before I headed to the transfer area

I also got a good opportunity to spot one of the few remaining Boeing 747-400s of Cathay Pacific, B-HUI, which would serve as CX548 to HND

Arrival into HKG

It was quite a walk to the transfer area. However, we had plenty of time before the next flight to New York. Even though I was upset that we missed our onward flight, there was a bright side. I could spend more time at the lounge and see if I could spot some planes! Anyways, see you guys in part 2!

See more

Verdict

Cathay Pacific

9.8/10

Cabin10.0

Cabin crew9.5

Entertainment9.5

Meal/catering10.0

Bangkok - BKK

9.4/10

Efficiency9.0

Access10.0

Services9.0

Cleanliness9.5

Hong Kong - HKG

10.0/10

Efficiency10.0

Access10.0

Services10.0

Cleanliness10.0

Conclusion

Overall, this was one of the best flights I've been onboard Cathay Pacific. The crew were nice and courteous, the entertainment had a good selection, the overall design of the new seats of the Airbus A350-900, and the meal service was quite remarkable, but the only drawback about the flight experience in general were the delays that ensued, which resulted in me missing my connecting flight. Other than that, this flight was remarkable. Thank you so much for reading this report! Stay tuned for Part 2 of the final leg where I'll be heading back to New York!

Cathay Pacific flight in Business

Thai Airways flight in Business

2 Comments

Thanks for sharing a lovely report as always! Hard to believe CX has now been operating the A350 for around 2 years. Time really flies! No pun intended :-PI have a trip to BKK this fall and hoping to get to try the A350-1000 from IAD to HKG.

Thanks for the comment, KévinDC!! It's always nice to hear your feedback! I know, even I can't believe it. It feels like yesterday when CX just acquired the A350-900. (Loved the pun, btw!) In regards to the A350-1000, that's awesome if/when you get to try it out! Can't wait to read about your experiences! Happy travels! :)

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